Overrated or Underrated? We have an answer for 33rd Surajkund International Crafts Mela

It is quite usual as you enter but as you proceed, it gets better and better and makes you realize how different it is from what you thought it to be. All for good though. Life is a huge fair in itself, full of diverse cultures and traditions, variety of things to explore and covering long distances for small and meaningful happiness and Surajkund was no less than a replica of it. Fairs and festivals are directly associated with bright colors, wandering eyes, united people, and loads to explore. One such flamboyant fair is Surajkund International Crafts Fair which is held in the Haryana state of India every year with double the creativity, double the enthusiasm.

Needless to say, that it is one of the largest and most awaited fairs in India. Those who have been there, know its worth well but those who haven’t are always skeptical to know what it is all about. Some might feel it is overrated but as per our experience, it was all that we miss seeing in India. The authentic ‘desi’ vibe in the Delhi-NCR region is hard to find. The magma of cultural enhancement is enough to keep you mesmerized all the while you are there.

Things to Notice in Surajkund Mela

The theme of the Mela

Most people miss this point and think as if it is just like any usual Mela that people see, only that other fairs do not have a different “STATE” theme every year to highlight the culture of a particular state and to show its richness to people around the country. Well, until now even I did not know. Surajkund Crafts Fair is organized with a theme of state of India to glorify the state’s know-how and bring forth the beauty within that state. This time in 2019, Surajkund Mela is based on “Maharashtra” and everything you will see around will have a touch of it.

Diversity of Culture

Even though the Mela is held on a particular theme every year, it does not lose its prime authenticity i.e. of being secular and diverse every time. Be it with the events organized in the Mela or the shops inside, everything is extremely unique and engaging. The best part is that this fair not only just celebrated the diverse finesse of India but also proudly represents the worldwide cultures by inviting people from around the world to showcase their talent, represent their nation’s traditions, dance forms and clothes for people to experience the globe in just a field.

Variety of Food

Another very significant prospect of any fair is the food. The local street food is always on the top list though. Here, one will find an endless variety of mouth-watering foods, from Rajasthani to Thai, from food made by local vendors to food made by trained chefs, it’s a crazy seasoning to dwell in.

Replica of Monuments

This is something that took all my attention at once. The least you would expect from a fair would be the replicas of monuments of the themed state and it's really magnet-pulling for the crowd. This time, you will get to see the replica of famous Raigarh fort which was seized by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who was crowed in the fort. It is highly intimidating to see the monument made of soil with caretakers dressed perfectly vintage to welcome you in the fort.

Shops from all parts of the world

Ohhkkk.. Now that’s something. Do you want a Thailand massage? Well, you’ll get in for free here, sorry free only when you buy oils from Thailand shop. It is hilarious but at the same time intriguing seeing different varieties of clothes, accessories, things from different parts of the world. You will see carpets in the Afghanistan shop, paintings in the Netherlands, hats in Uzbekistan and what not. You will get tired exploring but not bored.

Before we leave you wondering about the prodigious fair of Surajkund, the last thing you should know is that the main gate of the mela was made back in 1992 for the Mother Goddess Danteshwari Devi by the Dhokra metal craft tradition with a height of 33 feet. The Mela was first time organized with the Madhya Pradesh theme by a tribal motif and it became an attraction to many. The bottom line to every small detail of the crafts mela is that it is a must-have experience and people should definitely be a part of it and encourage the pride of diverse cultures and traditions. Dates of Surajkund International Crafts Fair are 1st February to 17 February, and I have a bag full of pity for those who miss it.